Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Anthropology
Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Anthropology (A169-12GS)
Institute of Molecular BioSciences, College of Sciences
| Location: | Palmerston North |
| Term of Contract: | Fixed Term of 3 Years |
| Grade: | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Salary Package: | Salary (view academic salary information) |
| Closing Date: | 8 June 2012 |
Position Overview
We seek a motivated and productive postdoctoral fellow to explore human prehistory in Indonesia using genome-scale data and cutting-edge analysis. The successful candidate will explore the maritime dispersal of the Bajo people in the ‘Coral Triangle’ situated between Indonesia, Malaysia and New Guinea. This project will address the Bajos’ demographic and genetic history within a broad context including historic and linguistic data. The candidate will study how these populations have adapted to new genetic challenges and environments, including the selection of advantageous genetic traits, to untangle key evolutionary processes responsible for creating human diversity.
This position requires prior experience in anthropological fieldwork, laboratory genetics and computational biology, including some familiarity with genome wide data. Solid quantitative skills, including some background in statistics, are preferred. This project involves international collaborations with Dr Francois Ricaut at the University of Toulouse and Dr Toomas Kivisild at the University of Cambridge.
The postdoc will be based in the Computational Biology Research Group at Massey University, New Zealand, with periods of time spent in Indonesia, the University of Toulouse and the University of Cambridge.
Enquiries of a scientific nature should be directed to Dr Murray Cox (tel +64-6-356 9099 x2570; email m.p.cox@massey.ac.nz). Information about the Institute of Molecular BioSciences (http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/) and the Computational Biology Research Group (http://massey.genomicus.com/) are available online.
To apply for this position, upload the following documents (PDF format) to the official Massey University job website: http://jobs.massey.ac.nz/
1. A brief statement of research interests, qualifications and experience.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. The names and contact details of three referees willing to provide a confidential letter of recommendation upon request.
Job description
Purpose statement
To explore molecular anthropology in Indonesia using genome-scale data and cutting-edge computational analysis.
Responsible to
Head of the Institute of Molecular BioSciences, through the Principal Investigator, Dr Murray Cox
Key accountabilities
The Fellow is required to:
• Undertake field, laboratory and computational research in molecular anthropology
• Undertake any other duties as specified by the Principal Investigator
• Maintain an organized and safe working environment
• Maintain accurate and orderly records of experiments, procedures and code, and store all key data on central research group hard drives
• Provide a written report every two weeks to the Principal Investigator summarizing research progress and planned future research, with a strong emphasis on research publications
• Publish at least one peer-reviewed publication in international scientific journals each year
• Be familiar with Institute guidelines and safety rules
• Participate fully in the academic activities of the Institute and University
• Devote himself/herself full-time to University duties
• Diligently and faithfully serve the University, and use his/her best endeavors to promote and protect the interests of the University
• Maintain confidentiality both during and after the appointment as Postdoctoral Fellow
Person specification
Qualifications
A PhD in biological anthropology or human evolutionary genetics
Experience
Able to conduct independent cutting-edge research
Proven research experience
Strong fieldwork, laboratory and quantitative skills
Additional computational and statistical experience would be an advantage
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Personal Attributes, Behaviours, Competencies
• Good fieldwork, laboratory and quantitative skills
• Experimental and intellectual creativity
• Initiative and enthusiasm
• Ability to write, and preferably take a lead on, scientific publications
• Commitment to quality improvement, up-skilling and personal development
• Ability to organize and maintain quality records
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Good time-management skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team
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